When my youngest child left for college, I became an empty nester and needed a new project. While surfing the web, I discovered a carved gourd on Pinterest and was mesmerized by the creative process of transforming an ordinary gourd into a beautiful work of art. I read and watched everything I could find on gourd art. I bought everything I needed to get started, and soon dozens of packages started arriving at my door. Taking notice, my husband Jim said, "What on earth are you doing?", and I replied, "I'm going to be a gourd artist!". Within no time I had completed 40 pieces of gourd art. I soon realized that my home was becoming overwhelmed with works of gourd art and I needed some constructive outlet for my works. I came across a posting on FB for a local craft show and I singed up. My husband came with me to set up my booth and came back a few hours later. To his surprise, I sold almost every gourd. A few weeks later I signed up for a juried show and was shocked and elated that I was chosen as the best of show!
Time has zoomed past since November of 2018, and since then I have completed over 700 pieces of gourd art, I've participated in a few juried shows and I have had the good fortune of being awarded multiple ribbons, I also have my works displayed in four art galleries. Recently, Missouri Art Now: A Bicentennial Celebration, a call-for-entry competition, juried among the four corners of the state, chose one of my works to be displayed in various locations throughout the state.
Gourd Art is my creative passion and joy and I relish every minute spent transforming these dusty, sun bleached, gourds into sleek, polished works of art!
Thank you for reading my story!